Open University???

Hi!

I wanted to ask if we can apply for degree level course at The Open University via UCAS, and if they are recognised by employers as being of equal value to any other degree?

I was interested in their BSc (Honours) Physics (Code: R51), but I didn't know if I would be able to apply via UCAS for this, and if the dates were different in comparison to other courses.
I found this on the UCAS website: https://digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/2e2df96e-7860-4e66-9a65-b20e33132068?academicYearId=2020&courseOptionId=38786c78-9897-40f0-9a1b-91c783fedff6

The only problem is the dates are different to the other courses of a traditional university setting. The latest registration date is 14/01/2021 for then beginning the course in February 2021, and I don't know if the course will be continued after this, as I want to finish A-levels first - I am currently in Year 12 (finishing it), and will be due to finish Yr 13 in July 2021. Also, it's quite flexible, there are no entry requirements, and fees are cheaper, so I was confused about whether I would be able to put it down via UCAS or not.

This seems like a good option if its available, and so I'm considering it, but I just wanted your insight into how it works, because I am not quite sure.

Can you please give me any advice, and try to answer my questions?

Thank you so much!

Yes you can apply via UCAS or direct - they are a public university (not sure about cheaper I believed was standard amount and if you study full time you can get a normal loan/grant etc). Usually there are two main start dates.

This is the details for a physics degree - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/physics/degrees/bsc-natural-sciences-physics-q64-phy
You would start with S111 starting Oct 2021.
I would contact them direct.
Note it is not an easy option you must be very motivated and they have a high drop out rate, but in terms of online provision they are the gold standard as been doing remote teaching for years..........my Mum studied with them so she has filled me in.

Yes you can apply via UCAS or direct - they are a public university (not sure about cheaper I believed was standard amount and if you study full time you can get a normal loan/grant etc). Usually there are two main start dates.

This is the details for a physics degree - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/physics/degrees/bsc-natural-sciences-physics-q64-phy
You would start with S111 starting Oct 2021.
I would contact them direct.
Note it is not an easy option you must be very motivated and they have a high drop out rate, but in terms of online provision they are the gold standard as been doing remote teaching for years..........my Mum studied with them so she has filled me in.

I thought this was the physics degree?
http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/physics/degrees/bsc-physics-r51

Does anyone know if it’s possible to get the study material for the S111 before registering for the subject?

I mean via the OU when I pay the subject?

or even via some other way?

I really want to register for S111, but I don’t know what material the OU will provide me!Thanks guys!

Would not have thought so as this is what you are paying for - perhaps they can give you a sample if you ask.

I already asked them, they say there is no study materials until the date of start (2 weeks before in fact)

The point is trying to get the study material to start catching up the texts before the start date....

But seams pretty difficult to achieve 😥

If someone knows about what kind of books they use on the S111 I’d really appreciate it. 🙏🙏🙏

Basically the same - the natural sciences (physics) has more options. That is what OU does best - you can mix all sorts of courses together to make the degree you want.

Re medical physics you may want to do a specific medical physics course (there are lots) - but looking here https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/careers/medical-physicist this seems to suggest you do a different degree. Perhaps ask your careers service at school for help.

Are you able to access this website: OU S111 prep
It has several prep materials on it.

Also try this Open Learn course if you haven't already, it should help you figure out if you need to brush up on anything specific before starting the module: OL S111 diagnostic

The module is online-only and all materials contained within it, i.e. does not use external books. However, you could probably find the books for the old modules that it replaced, S104/S103 - I did S103 years ago and was able to get replacement books on ebay/Amazon 2nd hand when one of my books got destroyed by accident. They wouldn't be the exact same as S111, but would be a good start. Here is one example: Amazon S104 book 1

Also you could try the sciences good study guide, it is an old book but still useful (not specifically about S111, just about studying science with the OU):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sciences-Good-Study-Guide/dp/0749234113/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=open+university+science+good+study+guide&qid=1591303953&sr=8-1